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PADDY McCOURT – I'LL PROVE MYSELF GOOD ENOUGH TO WEAR THE HOOPS
By Trialist
With the greatest of respect to Paddy McCourt, who on Thursday became Gordon Strachan's first new recruit of the summer transfer window, the 24-year old winger is not the green chip signing the vast majority in Timdom is craving.
Even though the right-footed Paddy McCourt is apparently equally as effective on either wing, a winger was not on Timdom's wishlist.
The majority are praying to Gord for a quality left-back, an experienced quality central defender, a quality holding midfielder and, of course, a quality proven goal-scorer, all to improve the squad of the three-in-a-row SPL Champions.
However, the £150,000 bargain-basement buy from Derry City is adamant that he can prove himself worthy of wearing the Hoops.
Paddy McCourt said: “I know I will need to prove myself because it's a step up from Derry to Celtic and the fans won't know a lot about me. But I really believe I'm a good enough player to do that and show I can play for a Club as big as this one.”
Paddy McCourt explained: “I'm the kind of player who if the game is tight and we need a winner can provide a piece of magic to create something. If it's just 1-0 I can score a second. Or if the game is a draw I'm someone who can produce something different to get a goal.”
Paddy McCourt continued: “Some people might look at the League of Ireland and think it's not up to much, but it has really improved in recent years and I honestly think I'm ready to be a Celtic player. All I need to do is avoid injury and catch up with the other lads in terms of fitness.”
Paddy McCourt added: “I've seen Kevin Doyle and Roy O'Donovan move from Ireland to Reading and Sunderland and they've done well. I'm sure I can do the same for Celtic.”
Paddy McCourt had been widely expected to join West Brom, who have of course been newly promoted to the EPL, but at the eleventh hour Celtic hijacked the Hawthorns' bid for the Irishman.
Paddy McCourt explained the most dramatic day of his football career.
Paddy McCourt said: “I was all set to sign for West Brom. I was down there with them and then got the call from Celtic. From that moment on I was only going to one place. I couldn't tell anyone, which was difficult, but I'd promised not to say a word. But I was never going to say no.”
Paddy McCourt continued: “It is unbelievable that a boy like me from Derry could sign for Celtic. It's a dream for me and my family. It was so out of the blue that there were only a few people at Celtic Park. John Park was fantastic with me and I got a tour of the ground, which was amazing because I'd never seen anything behind the scenes before.”
Paddy McCourt added: “Then I stood out on the pitch for a moment on my own. There wasn't a soul around and it was then it hit home that I'd just signed for Celtic. Utterly amazing.”
Paddy McCourt is now immensely looking forward to the beginning of pre-season training on the 4th July and meeting his Celtic team-mates and indeed Celtic Manager Gordon Strachan for the first time.
Paddy McCourt said: “I wish pre-season started right now. I can't wait to meet Gordon and the players. I can't wait for my first training session, for the chance to show the Manager what I can do. I'll give everything I have to get a place in the team and help Celtic win things.”
Paddy McCourt continued: “I'm a flair player and that's what Celtic fans love. I'll become a better player from working with the Manager and all the players at Celtic. There are some top, top guys at the Club. It will mean everything to me when I put that green and white top on for the first time.”
Paddy McCourt explained: “I used to come up for Celtic games when I was in England with Rochdale. I never thought I'd actually play for the Club. I feel confident in myself. I like taking on players and have scored some good goals. That's what my game is all about. I believe I can do that in the Scottish Premier League.”
Paddy McCourt added: “This is a chance in a lifetime. It was my little girl's birthday on Friday. She's only two so doesn't understand why daddy is so excited and that he's signed for Celtic. I'm sure she will one day.”
Dreams do come true. Best of luck with the Bhoys, Paddy McCourt.
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